quently eaten by the natives, and even by travellers. A very useful plant to the natives is the Helonias tenax, the fibres of which are stronger than any hemp. Cords made of this are used by the Indians for the purpose of snaring deer and other animals; and one the thickness of the little finger is so strong as not to be broken by the largest elk.

The Gooseberry grows in Upper California, and bears plentifully. The sand-hills and moors are covered with a great variety of Syngenesious plants, and on the more fertile and humid soil grows a gaudyflowered Currant-bush and a pretty species of Honeysuckle. Perhaps the most remarkable shrub here is the Yedra, a poisonous plant, which, however, affects some particular constitutions only. By contact with the skin, it produces tumors and violent inflammation. It is a slender shrub, preferring cool and shady places, and bearing a trefoil crenated leaf. Two roots-the plants of which I have not seen-are used by the natives for soap; these are called Amole and Samate. On the rocky coast south of Monterey are immense collections of sea-weed-Fucus pyrifornis-which are said to have gathered there in such abundance, as to have saved several vessels from splitting on the rocks, when driven on them by the tempest.

A resident in California writing to a member of Congress, thus speaks of the vegetable productions and appearance of the country.

I know you will ask me for reasons for this. Apart from the gold, and the people who have, are coming, and will come, to possess it, I can give you one, and you not having seen for yourself cannot appreciate the truth of my remarks. All I can do is to ask you to rely upon my assertion, which in its terms falls

short of what the reality would appear to you were you here. Our country is a continued succession of mighty mountain ranges, perpetually snow-capped, and peopled with the grisly bear, between which high and lofty mountains are deep, beautiful, fertile and luxuriant valleys, which have no superiors and few parallels in America, either for richness of soil or beauty of landscape. Wheat, barley, oats, &c., grow here finer than in any State in the Union. The grains are generally produced without irrigation; but with irrigation, you can have a succession of two or three crops a year. Our coldest weather does not exceed that of New Orleans, never seeing more than a slight white frost, while for six months of the year you can see from where you stand, at any time, the terrible snow storm raging on the mountain tops, while the landscape at your feet is covered with Flora's most lovely variety of flowers. Our valleys are mostly prairies, with timber enough for fires and fences, but none for lumber. The latter is to be had in the mountains. The gigantic trees down in Maine are mere bushes to our pines, redwood, hemlock, spruce, and firs, from three hundred to five hundred feet in height, and twenty, nay, up to thirty feet in diameter -as straight and tapering from the root to the top (the latter only as big as your finger) as if they had been turned in a lathe by a skilful mechanic. Such forests, both as to timber and extent!-You cannot realize the idea I wish to convey. I once helped to fell some of these gigantic trees, with my own hands, to make fire to keep from freezing, while in a terrible storm of fourteen days and nights, exposed to all its furies, without any covering but the skies. When we at last reached the Sacramento valley, the contrast

was indescribable-it was one extended flower-bed and grass-plat!

Of the mineral riches of California we have already given so full an account in the previous chapters of this work, that it is unnecessary to advert to it in this connexion. In justice to Mr. Farnham, however, we cannot omit to quote a passage from his excellent work "Life, Adventures, and Travels in California," published before the discovery of the gold mines, in which the future destiny of California is distinctly foretold.

"No doubt is entertained by those best acquainted with the Californias, that they will become, when science shall be applied in the development in their wealth, one of the richest mineral provinces in America. This belief is much strengthened by the fact, that the Indians, whenever they choose, can bring into the settlements large quantities of these ores, which they either find on the surface, or pry from the crevices of the rocks with sharpened sticks, bones, or hunting knives. They cannot be induced to show the whites where they obtain these, on account of an old traditional superstition, that if they should do so, they would immediately die."

APPENDIX.

APPENDIX A.

CONSTITUTION OF CALIFORNIA.

PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA.

THE delegates of the people assembled in Convention, have formed a constitution, which is now presented for your ratification. The time and manner of voting on this constitution, and of holding the first general election, are clearly set forth in the schedule. The whole subject is, therefore, left for your unbiassed and deliberate consideration.

The Prefect (or person exercising the functions of that office) of each district, will designate the places for opening the polls, and give due notice of the election, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and schedule.

The people are now called upon to form a government for themselves, and to designate such officers as they desire, to make and execute the laws. their choice may be wisely made, and that the govern

That

ment so organized may secure the permanent welfare and happiness of the people of the new State, is the sincere and earnest wish of the present Executive, who, if the constitution be ratified, will, with pleasure, surrender his powers to whomsoever the people may designate as his successor.

Given at Monterey, California, this 12th day of October, A. D., 1849.

(Signed)

B. RILEY,

Brevet Brig. General, U. S. A., and Governor of

California.

(Official)

II. W. HALLECK,

Brevet Captain and Secretary of State.

WE THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA, GRATEFUL TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR OUR FREEDOM, IN ORDER TO SECURE ITS BLESSINGS, DO ESTABLISH THIS CONSTITUTION :—

ARTICLE I

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.

SEC. 1. All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.

SEC. 2. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people; and they have the right to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.